Good IDEAs save time, money and win prizes Published Aug. 17, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Tech. Sgt. Frank King, 403rd Maintenance Squadron, and Wayne McQueen, 81st Training Support Squadron, are winners of a submission contest as part of Keesler's IDEA campaign. Sergeant King won an IPOD and Mr. McQueen won a GPS navigation system. Sergeant King's submission concerned brake swivel change procedures on the main landing gear of the C-130J. His idea, which has been approved, streamlines the maintenance process and cuts down unnecessary work. Mr. McQueen's idea, which is under review, proposes reducing Keesler's energy consumption by installing optic light sensors in the aerospace ground equipment fuel pump area of the flightline. Keesler's military members, Defense Department civilians, reserve personnel on active duty and contract personnel were eligible to participate. Anyone who submitted an eligible idea through the IDEA Program Data System was entered into the prize drawing. "The campaign was a great success," said Deatrice Jimerson, IDEA program manager. "Our monthly submission rate quadrupled." It's not too late to get involved in the IDEA program's Submitter of the Year campaign that runs through Sept. 30. A 32-inch flat-screen television will be awarded to the person who submits an approved idea with the most tangible, cost-saving benefit to the Air Force. Also, if an individual's idea is approved and they can show tangible benefits, they may also be eligible for a monetary award ranging from $200 to $10,000. To submit an idea: Access IPDS via Air Force Portal or https://ipds.randolph. af.mil and register. Check the idea pool to ensure your idea hasn't been submitted by someone else. Refer to Air Force Instruction 38-401 for eligibility criteria. Ensure your idea identifies the present and proposed methods with detailed description and costs for each, along with the expected benefits. As of June, the IDEA Program has resulted in more than $81 million in validated savings for the Air Force. For more information about the IDEA program, call Ms. Jimerson, 376-8172, or e-mail deatrice.jimerson@us.af.mil. The first 10 people to call and say they read this article receive an IDEA mug.